The locomotives, originally built by MotivePower about five years ago, will be repowered with new engines that meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 emission standards. They include technology that reduces diesel particulate emissions by about 85% and NOx emissions by about 75%, compared with the current models.

"These will be the first North American passenger locomotives to be equipped with Tier 4 technology," said Wabtec President and CEO Albert J. Neupaver. "We believe MotivePower is well positioned to participate further in this market by offering similar environmental upgrades to existing diesel-electric commuter locomotives throughout North America as the new standards are phased in over the next several years."

Metrolinx, an agency of Ontario province, oversess regional transportation development for both the Greater Toronto Area and the Hamilton, Ontario, area, including GO Transit regional passenger rail operations.